Do I need to reapply for NSFAS if I fail 4 modules?

People frequently ask if they need to reapply for the NSFAS if they fail 4 modules. The majority of the students, who get NSFAS funding, are unfamiliar with the rules of NSFAS. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme permits grants based on the academic performance of the students; therefore, students who are unable to pass the 4 modules are worried about the termination of their financial aid by the government. 

According to the NSFAS rules, you might need to reapply if you fail 4 modules. However, there are some complexities that you need to know about the NSFAS reapplication. Come with me to learn about the rules of NSFAS and how to apply them in case you fail 4 modules.

NSFAS Rules of Reapplication 

First, you need to understand that NSFAS does not fund the students who demonstrate poor performance. NSFAS requires an enrolled student to pass 50% to 55% of their modules each academic year to maintain the funding. In case, a student fails 4 modules in a year, his grant might be terminated by the NSFAS. However, you should not be stressed about the funding because NSFAS has an N+ rule for students who face the difficulty of completing their degrees in the given timeframe. 

N+ Rule 

The N represents the minimum number of years a student needs to complete his degree. For example, if you are studying Biology and it takes 3 years to complete the program, you will be funded for 3 years. The N+1 represents that, in case the student is unable to complete the program in the given timeframe, he can get additional funding for one year to complete the program. 

N+2 represents that if the student is unable to pass the exams in the given timeframe, he will get two years of additional funding to complete the program. However, the N+3 is for disabled enrolled students who cannot visit the institute on a daily basis or face difficulties due to their disability. 

Should I Reapply?

The application depends upon the percentage that you have acquired after one year. For example, if the percentage is above 50 to 55, you do not need to reapply and NSFAS will continue providing you funds to complete the program. But if failing 4 modules drops the percentage below 50 to 55, then you should consider reapplying. 

It is possible that you need to reapply failing the 4 modules after gaining 50% to 55%. Another complication that might give you a headache is whether you should reapply for the NSFAS funding after failing all the modules in the first semester. No, a student does not need to reapply if he failed 4 modules in the first semester; however, the student must pass at least 6 modules in the next semester out of 10 to maintain the funding by NSFAS. 

When should I Reapply for NSFAS Funding?

The majority of the students reapply after failing 4 modules without focusing on the rules of the NSFAS. First, you should read all the terms and conditions as well as the rules by the NSFAS on the official website. Second, you should not reapply right after seeing the result until the funding is withdrawn. If your funding is terminated by the NSFAS, you should take measures as soon as possible. 

NSFAS states its enrolled students should reapply using authentic channels rather than following third-party platforms. The method of reapplication is slightly different from the first time applying for an NSFAS application. Additionally, the requirements must be met and the documents required for the application should be authentic. 

How to Reapply If Failing 4 Modules?

In case the funding is withdrawn then you can appeal to the NSFAS by providing a valid reason. In case the appeal is rejected then you can submit another application requesting NSFAS to continue the funding for the next academic year. Here is a step by step guide to appeal for NSFAS funding if you failed 4 modules: 

Step by Step Guide 

Step 1

Ensure that the funding has been terminated by the NSFAS. You might receive an email or the status on the portal will be changed to “Funding Terminated.” Visit the NSFAS website using the link provided below. Tap on the “myNSFAS” button and it will take you to a new page. Provide the ID number and password to log in to your portal. 

NSFAS Website Link: www.nsfas.org.za

Step 2

In case, you do not have an account then you should tap “Create Account.” A new page will appear containing an application form. Provide personal details, such as name, address, and the details of the property. Give an email address of your active account because it will be used for verification and NSFAS will contact you through it. Read the terms and conditions carefully and then tap the Agree button. Set a password and click the Create button. You will receive a confirmation email, tap it to verify your account and it will be created. 

Step 3

As you log into your account, you will see various buttons and options. Tap the “Track Application” and you will be able to see the status of your NSFAS funding application. Click the “Submit Appeal” button and enter the “Application Reference,” then provide the valid reason to continue the funding. Select the Appeal Reason and a drop-down list will appear in which you have to select an option. 

Step 4

Scroll down and then tap the “Support Document” option. The documents required are listed above, see them and upload them one by one, and submit the application along with the documents. Ensure that the reason is valid; otherwise, your application will be rejected. 

Documents Required for Appeal 

The documents required to appeal depend upon the reason you provide on the portal. Here are the general documents required for the appeal. 

• You need to provide the father’s SARS ITA34 Document. 
• You need to submit your mother’s SARS ITA34 Document. 
• You need to submit a legal Guardian’s SARS ITA34 Document. 
• You need to provide your spouse’s SARS ITA34 Document. 
• If your parents are divorced, then provide the driving decree. 

How to Reapply NSFAS If Failed 4 Modules?

In case, your appeal is rejected then you can reapply for the NSFAS funding. The reapplication method is slightly different from the first-time application. I have divided the entire process into short and simple steps so you can effortlessly apply. See the requirements and documents required for the application then jump to reapply NSFAS. 

Documents Required for NSFAS Re-Application 

• Provide the certified copy of the ID document. 
• Provide utility bills as proof of residency. 
• Submit the ID documents or your parents or spouse if married. 
• Provide proof of income by submitting bank statements, or payments. 
• If you are an SASSA grant holder then provide the receipts. 
• Give the transcript as proof of academic records. 
• Give a signed consent form authorized by NSFAS to verify your household income. 

Eligibility Criteria of Reapplication 

• An applicant must score 50% of a course credit rate in the previous academic year if first time entering. 
• An applicant must have achieved a 55% course credit rate in the previousacademic year if reapplying to continue the funding. 
• The applicant’s household income must be below R350,000 per annum. 
• The household income of the disabled applicant must be below R600,000 per annum. 
• An applicant must submit the application within 30 days of receiving the notification. 

Step by Step Guide 

• Step 1: Visit the NSFAS portal and click the “Register” button. 
• Step 2: Tap the verification button and provide the details, such as name, address, and contact number.
• Step 3: Tap the “Next” button and a new page will appear where you have to provide an email address. 
• Step 4: Create a password and then upload the documents. 
• Step 5: Click “Register Once” and you will receive an OTP, enter it in the verification bar and verify the account. 
• Step 6: You will receive an email and SMS that your application has been received.